SA8000 is a voluntary certification which was created by an American organization called International Social Responsibility (Social Accountability International – SAI), in order to promote better working conditions. The SA8000 certification is based on international agreements on working conditions, which include issues such as social justice, workers’ rights, etc. Some of the largest agricultural companies exporting banana, pineapple, snuff, wine, canned fruits and processed coffee, have the SA8000 certification.
What are the main requirements?
SA8000 certification basically establishes minimum conditions for achieving a safe and healthy workplace; freedom of association and collective bargaining; and a business strategy to address the social aspects of work. It also contains rules regarding the length of working hours, wages, combating discrimination and child labor or forced
.
